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The principles behind the NPTS are:
A Framework for Learn to Swim
National Syllabus for Multi-Aquatic development
A learn to swim programme underpinned by Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) providing progression through Fundamental movement skills and FUNdamental sports specific skills
Expected Standards
Outcome focused
As a result of the principles being achieved the following
outcomes will be accomplished
Competence in the water
Confidence in the water
'Safe' Swimming
Enjoyment in the Water
Increased likelihood of lifelong participation
Increased likelihood of leading a healthy lifestyle
Aims of the NPTS
Set a national standard for performance local schemes can equate to local standards
The NPTS aims to provide a degree of consistency throughout the
country with regard to what we expect swimmers to do and how we expect them to do it
Challenge lesson providers to structure the progress of swimmers based on achievement and not organisational convenience
-progress through some learn to swim schemes is often based upon low interpretation of awards or criteria along with demands to move through the scheme as quickly as possible
Integral to the NPTS is a clear assessment process with progression through the scheme based on the achievement of clearly identified outcomes. Inevitably
therefore some children will move through the scheme at a faster rate than others
Develop a wide range of skills
-the content of the NPTS prepares swimmers to participate in a variety of different disciplines and in so doing develops a more rounded and more skilful performer. This will increase the range of opportunities open to the swimmer in terms of future development whilst at the same time provides a sound skill basis for those wishing to progress to the competitive aspect of the sport
Emphasise the importance of initial orientation
-time devoted to initial orientation to generating a feeling
of_being_at_ease_in_the_water_will_enhance_the_development_of_more_
complex_skills__Great_emphasis_is_given__therefore__to_water_confidence_
activities_particularly_in_the_first_two_levels_of_the_plan_
Develop high reliability through repetition, revision and consolidation -if_you_take_the_opportunity_to_look_around_a_busy_swimming_pool__
particularly_if_lanes_have_been_allocated_to_allow_for_people_to_swim_
up_and_down__you_could_be_excused_for_thinking_that__whilst_we_
may_be_a_nation_of_swimmers__in_reality_we_are_a_nation_of_poor_
swimmers__Incorrect_head_positions__poor_body_alignment__
ineffective_kicking_and_pulling_and_the_sight_of_people_fighting_
against_the_water_are_all_too_commonplace__The_NPTS_attempts_to_
address_this_problem_through_improvements_in_the_quality_of_learn_
to_swim_provision__Implicit_in_this_is_the_raising_of_expectations_of_
teachers__parents_and_swimmers__The_NPTS_aims_to_raise_these_
expectations_to_a_new_level__to_emphasise_quality_in_stroke_
execution__to_establish_a_situation_whereby_all_children_learn_how_to_dive_
effectively__to_have_some_awareness_of_other_disciplines_in_
which_they_might_participate_and_to_enhance_their_understanding_of_the_
benefits_which_swimming_can_add_in_terms_of_a_healthy_lifestyle_
Identify the correct standards of skill performance -for_too_long_there_has_been_ambiguity_in_respect_of_what_
constitutesthe_correct_standard_of_performance_over_a_range_of_aquatic_skills__
This_is_particularly_the_case_in_terms_of_the_swimming_strokes_wherethe_
standard_expected_becomes_very_much_that_of_the_individual_
teacher_and_will__therefore__inevitably_vary_from_teacher_to_teacher_
and_from_scheme_to_scheme__The_NPTS_identifies_very_clearly_the_
standards_expected_at_different_levels_of_performance_and_will_hopefully_
develop__over_time__greater_consistency_in_the_application_of_
standards_
Provide assessment against clearly identified outcomes_-_assessment_is_a_critical_aspect_of_the_NPTS_as_this_forms_
the_basis_
for_progression_from_one_level_to_another__The_outcomes_are_clearly stated_and_provide_a_reference_point_by_which_progression_can_be_
easily_measured_
Provide a direct link to the Kellogg's ASA Awards Scheme_-the_Kellogg's_ASA_incentive_Awards_Scheme_provides_an_excellent_
means_of_motivating_swimmers_of_all_abilities with_a_simple_way_of_measuring_progress__The_development_of_the_NPTS_
has_provided_theopportunity_to_produce_twelve_awards__the_criteria_for_
which_match_
the_outcome_of_the_various_levels_of_the_Plan__The_provision_of_the_awards_
now_becomes_a_logical_consequence_of_the_teaching_process_
Provide a journey through Aquatics -_the_NPTS_ultimately_provides_a_pathway_through_aquatics_detailing_firstly_
the_FUNdamental_movement_skills__followed_by_the_FUNdamental_sports_
specific_skills_that_are_relevant_to_each_aquatic_discipline_and_in_association_
with_the_RLSS_to_include_provision_for_Rookie_Lifesaving__Through_a_FUN_
delivery_of_aquatic_skills__and_by_developing_the_confidence_and_initial_
awareness_and_orientation_in_the_water__strokes_and_techniques_are_
developed_through_a_stage-by-stage_process_of_learning_
Provide a scheme with a long term aim -_underpinned_by_Long_Term_Athlete_Development__LTAD___the_revised_
syllabus_encompasses_core_skills_associated_with_aquatic_activity__
The_NPTS_now_reflects_a_progressive_pathway_of_outcomes_which_are_
defined_by_developing_skills_such_as__buoyancy___balance__rotation_and_
orientation__travel___coordination__streamlining_and_aquatic_breathing__
Additional_skills_and_understanding_were_also_defined__such_as__entries__
exits__water_safety_and_healthy_living__Through_the_building_of_core_skills__
a_pupil_taking_part_in_the_scheme_will_enhance_their_'feel'_and_awareness_
of_the_water__their_ability_and_also_their_choice_of_aquatic_activity_later_
on__Stages___-___are_concerned_with_building_core_skills_and_known_as_
the_FUNdamental_movement_skills__and_stages___-____in_each_specific_
discipline__diving__lifesaving__swimming_ synchronised_swimming__and_water_polo__are_concerned_with_exploring_
and_developing_new_activities__and_these_are_referred_to_as_the_FUNdamental_
sport_specific_skills_
The 10 Stages of the Plan
The ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) was first launched in 1997 and as part of ongoing improvement and ensuring all that the ASA products are in line with current thinking, a review has taken place resulting in a revised product which is keeping pace with the needs of the sport and in particular the needs of the athletes. The revised National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) takes the non-swimmer on a journey, from the first splash to developing confidence and competence in the water.
Changes to the revised NPTS have focused particularly on Synergy and streamlining the programmes which embrace FUNdamentals of movement in the learn to swim environment
A revision of the outcomes that are required to achieve each Stage to ensure that the expectations of Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) are reflected
Acquiring skills that are essential to enable confidence and competence in the water
Improving the consistency in assessment of outcomes at each Stage of an athlete's development
The Swimmer's 'journey through aquatics' starts with FOUNDATION, a Programme for developing early years water confidence, which is encouraged through sessions such as 'adult and child' and 'pre-school' sessions. The emphasis is upon development of very basic motor skills and introduction to water and the swimming environment through fun and games. The 'ASA Duckling' Awards provide rewards appropriate for this section.
DUCKLING 1:
Make a supervised safe entry with Adult support
Kick 2m with adult support
Float on the back with adult support behind the head
Blow bubbles at water surface
Wet head without submersion
Travel without assistance 2m to a floating object
DUCKLING 2:
Make a sitting entry with adult support
Blow an object for a distance of 2m with adult support
Rotate through 180' with out assistance
Move 5m along the rail or wall without assistance
Travel 3m using arms and / or legs without assistance
Submerge face with confidence
DUCKLING 3:
Make a supervised jump to an adult with or without support
Kick 5m on the front holding a float (the adult may hold the other end of the float)
Float on front or back without adult support
Travel 5m to the side of the pool
Show a torpedo shape on the front when pushed to a partner
DUCKLING 4:
Jump unaided but supervised into the water
Submerge completely
Rotate 360' either vertically or horizontally
Show a mushroom or star float
Travel without assistance 10m on the front or back
Climb out of the water with assistance if required
DUCKLING 5:
Show the sequence - to jump into the water, turn round, swim back to the point of entry and hold onto rail or side
Submerge completely and blow bubbles under water
Push and glide achieving a distance of 2m on the front or back
Float on the front or back and regain standing/ vertical position
Swim 5m on the front or back using an over arm recovery
Exit safely showing correct use of ladder (or steps if no ladder available)
The next stage along the 'journey' takes a Swimmer through FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT SKILLS, STAGE 1 - 7 of the NPTS. There are smaller stepping-stones for Swimmers who are not yet ready for Stage 1 of the NPTS and who may have ADDITIONAL NEEDS requirements in order to progress. The 'ASA Alpha' Awards provide rewards appropriate for this section.
A brief overview of Stages 1 - 7:
STAGE 1
Developing basic safety awareness, the 'class' scenario, basic movement skills and water confidence skills. Swimmers may use aids, e.g. arm bands, floats, etc.
STAGE 2
Developing safe entries to the water, including jumping in, basic floating, travel front and back up to a distance of 5 metres, plus rotation to regain upright positions. Swimmers may use aids
STAGE 3
Developing safe entries including submersion, travel up to 10 metres on the front and back, progress rotation skills and water safety knowledge. At this stage, the Swimmer will be assessed without the use of aids or support.
STAGE 4
Developing the understanding of buoyancy through a range of skills, refining kicking technique for all strokes, and swimming 10 metres to a given standard as directed by the ASA.
STAGE 5
Developing 'watermanship' through sculling and treading water skills and complete rotation, also performing all strokes for a distance of 10 metres to the given standard as provided by the ASA within the NPTS resources.
STAGE 6
Developing effective swimming skills including coordinated breathing across all strokes plus swimming a distance of 25 metres using a stroke of the Swimmers choice; developing the water safety aspects and understanding of preparation for exercise.
STAGE 7
Developing quality stroke technique up to 100 metres, incorporating skills learnt and combining them to develop a linked routine and complete successfully an obstacle course that combines a variety of skills accomplished throughout stages 1 - 7.
STAGES 8 - 10
Once the Swimmer has developed the core range of skills required to be confident, competent and safe in the water through stages 1 - 7, the Swimmer may then have the choice to take part in different aquatic disciplines.
FUNDAMENTAL SPORT SKILLS, STAGES 8 - 10 of the NPTS are available in Competitive Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Rookie Lifesaving. Dependent on each leisure facility, all or some of these opportunities may be available.
Stages 8, 9 and 10 of the NPTS are discipline specific and have synergy with the grass roots programmes developed by the disciplines to support their individual sport. These are as follows:
Flip n Fun = Diving
AquaFun = Synchronised Swimming
mini-polo! = Water Polo
For Stages 8, 9 and 10 Competitive Swimming have developed Awards specifically to support the NPTS.
The ASA and the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) have worked closely together in developing stages 8, 9 and 10 in producing awards that link into the ASA NPTS. The syllabus relating to the Rookie Lifesaving stages can be accessed through the RLSS.
As a result of completing ALL the outcomes detailed within each stage of the NPTS, a set of awards are available, the 'National Plan Awards' relate to each stage, from 1 - 10.
All stages need to have a 100% pass on the skills and techniques (unlike the old programme where the children could pass 8 out of the 10). Therefore it will be harder for children to pass these stages but long term they will become better swimmers. It may however mean your child will stay in the same class for a longer period without obtaining badges.
FUNdamental Movement Skills, Stages 1 - 7
Stage 1 (Beginner 1)
To complete Stage 1 of the NPTS participants will be able to complete in comfort the following skills (with or without aids, equipment or support):
Enter the water safely
Move forward for a distance of 5 metres
Move backwards for a distance of 5 metres
Move sideways for a distance of 5 metres
Scoop the water and wash the face
Be at ease with water showered from overhead
Move into a stretched floating position using aids, equipment or support
Regain an upright position from on the back with support
Push & glide in a horizontal position to or from a wall
Take part in a teacher lead partner orientated game
Demonstrate an understanding of pool rules
Exit the water safely
(13 Outcomes)
Stage 2 (Beginner 2)
To complete Stage 2 of the NPTS participants will be able to complete in comfort the following skills (without aids, equipment or support):
Jump in from poolside safely
Blow bubbles a minimum of 3 times rhythmically with nose and mouth submerged
Regain an upright position from the back without support
Regain an upright position from the front without support
Push from wall & glide on the back
Push from wall & glide on the front
Travel on the front for 5 metres, aids or equipment may be used
Travel on the back for 5 metres, aids or equipment may be used
Perform a rotation from the front to back to gain an upright position
Perform a rotation from the back to the front to gain an upright position
(10 outcomes)
Stage 3 (Beginner 3)
To complete Stage 3 of the NPTS participants will be able to complete in comfort the following skills (without support):
Jump in from the poolside and submerge
Sink, push away from the wall on side and maintain a streamlined position
Push & glide on the front with arms extended and log roll onto the back
Travel on the front, tuck to rotate around the horizontal axis to return on the back
Fully submerge to pick up an object
Answer correctly 3 questions on the Water Safety Code
Travel 10 metres on the back
Travel 10 metres on the front
(9 Outcomes)
Stage 4 (Improver)
To complete Stage 4, participants will be able to achieve in comfort the following skills:
Demonstrate an understanding of buoyancy
Perform a tuck float for 5 seconds
Perform a sequence of changing shapes (min 3) while floating on the surface
Push & glide from the wall to the pool floor
Kick 10 metres Backstroke
Kick 10 metres Frontcrawl
Kick 10 metres Butterfly
Kick 10 metres Breaststroke on the front
Kick 10 metres Breaststroke on the back
Perform on the back a head first sculling action for 5 metres in a horizontal position
Travel on back and roll in one continuous movement onto front
Travel on front and roll in one continuous movement onto back
Swim 10 metres, own choice to ASA Expected Standards
(13 outcomes)
Stage 5 (Improver 1)
To complete Stage 5, participants will be able to achieve in comfort, the following skills:
Perform a horizontal stationary scull on the back
Perform a feet first sculling action for 5 metres whilst horizontal on the back
Perform a sculling sequence with a partner for 30-45 seconds to include a rotation
Tread water for 30 seconds
Perform 3 different shaped jumps into deep water
Swim 10 metres Backstroke to ASA Expected Standards
Swim 10 metres Frontcrawl to ASA Expected Standards
Swim 10 metres Breaststroke to ASA Expected Standards
Swim 10 metres Butterfly to ASA Expected Standards
Perform a handstand and hold for a minimum of 3 seconds
Demonstrate an action for getting help
(13 Outcomes)
Stage 6 (Improver 1)
To complete Stage 6 participants will be able to achieve in comfort, the following skills:
Demonstrate an understanding of preparation for exercise
Sink, push off on side from the wall, glide, kick and rotate into Backstroke
Sink, push off on side from the wall, glide, kick and rotate into Frontcrawl
Swim 10 metres with clothes on
Swim Frontcrawl to ASA Expected Standards to include at least six rhythmical breaths
Swim Breaststroke to ASA Expected Standards to include at least six rhythmical breaths
Swim Butterfly to ASA Expected Standards to include at least three rhythmical breaths
Swim 25 metres, choice of stroke to ASA Expected Standards
Perform a 'Shout & Signal' rescue
Perform a surface dive
Exit the water without using the steps
(11 outcomes)
Stage 7 (Advanced )
To complete Stage 7, participants will be able to achieve in comfort, the following skills:
Swim 50 metres Backstroke to ASA Expected Standards
Swim 50 metres Frontcrawl to ASA Expected Standards
Swim 50 metres Breaststroke to ASA Expected Standards
Swim 50 metres Butterfly to ASA Expected Standards
Perform a movement sequence of 1 minute duration, in a group of 3 or more, incorporating a number of the following skills:
Sculling -head first, feet first; rotation - forward/backward somersault, log roll; floating - star on the front/back, tuck float, create own: Eggbeater - moving, lifting one or both arms out of the water, link skills with strokes and sculls
Perform a sitting dive
Swim 50 metres continuously using one stroke to ASA Expected Standards
Swim 200 metres using a minimum of 3 different strokes to ASA Expected Standards
Tread water using egg beater action for 30 seconds
Complete an obstacle course (using minimum of 4 objects) with feet off the bottom throughout
(10 outcomes)
FUNdamental Sports Skills, Stages 8 - 10
Stage 8 (Swim Club 1)
To complete Stage 8, participants will be able to achieve in comfort, the following skills:
Complete a set lasting 400m(e.g. 16 x 25m) on a specified turn around time set by the coach
Swim 400 metres continuously using one stroke
Kick 25 metres Backstroke with/without using a board
Kick 25 metres Breaststroke with/without using a board
Kick 25 metres Butterfly with/without using a board
Kick 25 metres Frontcrawl with/without using a board
Perform a Backstroke turn from 10 metres in to 15 metres out to ASA Expected Standards
Perform a Breaststroke turn from 10 metres in to 15 metres out to ASA Expected Standards
Perform a Butterfly turn from 10 metres in to 15 metres out to ASA Expected Standards
Perform a Frontcrawl turn from 10 metres in to 15 metres out to ASA Expected Standard
(10 outcomes)
Stage 9 (Swim Club 1 & 2)
To complete Stage 9, participants will be able to achieve in comfort, the following skills:
Complete a set lasting 800m(e.g. 4 x 200m) on a specified turn around time set by the coach
Swim 800 metres continuously using one stroke
Swim a continuous 100 metre Individual Medley using legal turns
Perform a 15 metre underwater kick on the front in a streamlined position
Perform a Backstroke start with butterfly kick underwater until 10 metres from the start point and complete remainder of the 25 metres
Perform a Frontcrawl start underwater kick until 10 metres from the start point and complete the remainder of the 25 metres
Perform a Butterfly start underwater kick until 10 metres from the start point and complete the remainder of the 25 metres
Perform a Breaststroke start with 1 pull, 1 Butterfly kick and 1 Breaststroke kick underwater and complete remainder of the 25 metres.
(8 outcomes)
Stage 10 (Swim Club 2)
To complete Stage 10, participants will be able to achieve in comfort, the following skills:
Complete a set lasting 1600m(e.g. 8 x 200m) on a specified turn around time set by the coach
Swim 1500 metres continuously using one stroke
Perform a continuous 100 metre Individual Medley kick using a kickboard
Swim a continuous 200 metre Individual Medley using legal turns
Perform a 15 metre underwater Butterfly kick on the back or front in a streamlined position
Perform a Frontcrawl relay takeover as an oncoming swimmer
Perform a Frontcrawl relay takeover as an outgoing swimmer
(7 outcomes)
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